Kruisafneming 1850 - 1900

This print, ‘Kruisafneming’, or ‘Descent from the Cross’, was made by an artist known only as Monogrammist AC, using wood engraving. The lines you see were achieved by removing material from a block of wood with specialized tools called gravers or burins. Unlike woodcut, where the artist carves along the grain, wood engraving uses the end grain of the wood, allowing for finer detail and a wider range of tonal effects. Notice how the density of lines creates areas of shadow and depth, really expressive for such a small format. This printmaking technique flourished with the rise of mass media. Wood engravings like this one could be reproduced in books and newspapers, disseminating images and ideas to a broad audience. The skill involved represents the labor of artisans who played a crucial role in the distribution of information. So, when you look at this image, consider not just the scene it depicts, but also the means of its making and distribution, and the skilled work that went into its production.